Is 2026 the new 2016? Recall the decoration trends of the time.

In recent days, the internet has turned its eyes to 2016, a year that will mark a decade in 2026 and has been revisited with a strong sense of nostalgia. Personal records, daily habits, and aesthetic references from that time have reappeared on social media, sparking conversations about how we lived, how we dressed, and how we also lived ten years ago.

Under the motto “2026 is the new 2016”, the trend gained strength at the end of December 2025, fueled by the New Year's transition atmosphere, and spread quickly among celebrities and the general public. In addition to revisiting individual memories, the movement brought to light customs and trends that marked that period. From this collective look at the recent past, CASACOR revisits the decorating trends of 2016, observing how they appeared in projects of the time and how they continue to echo, with new meanings, in contemporary living.

Shades of gray as a neutral base

In 2016, shades of gray were the protagonists in decorating. From light gray to graphite, the palette was widely used on walls, upholstery, rugs, and furniture, providing a softer alternative to pure white and more contemporary than traditional beiges. Gray served as a background for different styles, from industrial to Scandinavian.

[caption id="68f2ba1698f18c7f5f5f0aa6" width="736" data-alt="" data-caption="" data-credit="Divulgação" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"][/caption>

In addition to its aesthetic versatility, this choice resonated with a search for more sober and organized projects. In many projects, gray was combined with light wood, plants, and strategic color accents, creating balanced compositions that were easy to adapt over time.

Functionality first

Functionality was one of the pillars of decoration in 2016. The intelligent use of spaces became a priority, especially in smaller apartments. Multifunctional furniture, custom woodworking, and integrated storage solutions became part of the daily routine of projects.

[caption id="68f2b9bd98f18c7f5f5ece17" width="736" data-alt="" data-caption="" data-credit="Divulgação" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"][/caption>

This approach reflected changes in urban lifestyle, with more compact homes and dynamic routines. Aesthetic and efficiency walked hand in hand, showing that organization and beauty were not opposing concepts, but complementary.

Retro style as an affectionate reference

The retro style also marked 2016, bringing references from the 1950s to 1970s to the center of decoration. Rounded shapes, taper legs, soft colors, and geometric patterns reappeared in furniture and objects, creating projects with memory and identity.

[caption id="68f2b9e698f18c7f5f5ee991" width="736" data-alt="" data-caption="" data-credit="Divulgação" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"][/caption>

More than nostalgia, retro served as a language of affection. It connected the home to personal and collective stories, intertwining past and present in a light and accessible way.

Candy colors and the prominence of Rose Quartz

Candy colors gained space in 2016 as a response to excessively neutral projects. Soft shades of blue, green, yellow, and lilac began to color walls, objects, and upholstery. Among them, Rose Quartz, chosen Color of the Year by Pantone in 2016, became a symbol of this aesthetic.

[caption id="68f2b97698f18c7f5f5e9de1" width="736" data-alt="" data-caption="" data-credit="Divulgação" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"][/caption>

The shades appeared in cushions, armchairs, finishes, and even kitchens. They represented a search for softness and well-being, bringing lightness to interiors without breaking with the sobriety that still prevailed.

Metallic on surfaces and details

In 2016, metallic finishes surpassed the role of subtle finish and began to occupy larger areas of decoration. In addition to lighting, handles, and objects, the metallic effect appeared in wallpapers, panels, finishes, and even in furniture, especially in silver tones, gold, and rose. The goal was to create visual impact and bring an immediate sense of modernity to projects.

[caption id="68f2b97398f18c7f5f5e9c32" width="736" data-alt="" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"][/caption>

These reflective surfaces served as highlighting elements, often combined with neutral palettes to balance the composition. The metallic finish spoke to both more sophisticated proposals and interiors of industrial or contemporary inspiration, showing versatility and marking a daring aesthetic that defined the decorative imagery of that year.

Tapestry on the wall as a decorative element

Tapestry returned to occupy space on walls in 2016, reviving handmade techniques and textile textures as part of the decoration. Pieces in macramé, woven fabrics, and banners began to replace traditional paintings, bringing tactile dimension to projects.

This trend reflected an increasing interest in handmade items and the appreciation of materials that visually warm spaces. The tapestry functioned as a focal point in living rooms and bedrooms, helping to create warm and personal atmospheres, without relying solely on colors or large furniture.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the Technology team at CASACOR based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.